We’re all aware of the stigma associated with corporate holiday parties. Whether it’s portrayed in a holiday comedy movie or a viral meme, it’s no secret how awkward corporate holiday parties can be. Maybe your company’s parties are awesome and you feel totally comfortable, or maybe you’re the complete opposite and find them awkward or even cringe-worthy.
Whichever category you fall into, we want to share some dos and don’ts for attending your corporate holiday party so you can sleigh the party without any awkward situations! Keep reading for our tips to survive this year’s corporate holiday party.
Dos
Show Up
No matter if you’re excited or not looking forward to this year’s festive event, make sure you show up if you’re able to. It’s important to attend corporate holiday parties not only to show your boss you care but to show that you’re making an effort to build rapport throughout the entire office.
Bosses pay attention and notice when employees don’t show up to holiday parties (and other organized events), especially if it’s a small business. While it’s completely okay to miss out on the fun if you already had other plans, make sure to do everything you can to make it. If you can’t attend, be sure to let your boss know and explain to them that you’re sorry you’re unable to attend. They’ll appreciate the heads up and explanation for missing the party.
Mingle
Don’t know much about the person who sits a few cubicles over from you? Never met the new hire? Have you only exchanged emails with a coworker but haven’t met them yet? Corporate holiday parties are the perfect time to introduce yourself!
When you mingle, not only will you meet more coworkers, you’ll establish a relationship with them. It’s great to get to know as many people as you can around the office. After all, you do spend a lot of time together, so why not mingle at a holiday party when you have the chance to? Mingling shows that you care about establishing relationships throughout the office which is greatly appreciated by management.
Put Your Phone Away
The last thing you’ll want to be caught doing by your boss is spending the entire party on your phone. We get it, cell phones are addictive, and if you’re not paying attention, you could end up spending hours mindlessly scrolling through social media.
While it’s nice to capture some holiday selfies with coworkers, corporate holiday parties are not the time and place to be on your phone. Unless you’re taking photos, put your phone away and interact with your coworkers. Spending the entire evening on your phone can come across as rude, something you do not want to portray at a work function.
Don’ts
Drink in Excess
Have you ever attended a party where someone was inebriated? If you have, then you probably felt embarrassment for them. Do not, and we repeat, do not drink in excess at the holiday party. Work is not a place to drink excessively. Higher ups notice when an employee is drunk and they do not appreciate it.
The last thing you want to be known as around the office is the “person who got drunk at the holiday party”. Just enjoy a social drink or two as you mingle with your coworkers.
Keep to Yourself
Even if you’re an introvert, you should really try to mingle throughout the duration of the entire party. If you don’t know many other people then this is the perfect chance to get to know them! If your usual office buddies can attend the party then great – spend time with them. If your buddies can’t attend the party then make sure you’re putting in an effort to be social. Companies pay for holiday parties so be sure to show your appreciation by socializing the entire evening.
Gossip
For starters, you should never, under any circumstances, gossip at the office. Not to mention it is rude but it’s also unprofessional. The workplace is not the time or place to spread rumors. If a coworker gossips to you, but sure not to repeat what they’ve said to others and keep yourself out of the drama.
By following the above dos and don’ts you’re sure to have a wonderful time at your corporate holiday party. Be sure to enjoy yourself at the holiday party; your employer has planned the party to celebrate everyone’s hard work over the past year and has invested in celebrating that whether it be with a dinner or casual get together.
If you’re a CEO, HR Executive, or Executive Assistant and are in the midst of arranging holiday party and event transportation, look no further than Overland! Not only will we provide a first class, luxurious and jolly chauffeured transportation experience for your employees, but you can count on a dependable, convenient, and affordable experience for the company with per person rates that can be comparable to rideshares.
Our fleet of executive and luxury vehicles has the right vehicle for your party. Whether you have a small office who needs SUVs/limousines or are a large corporation who needs coaches, your employees will have a safe and smooth ride for the evening. Speaking of safe, learn how to keep your employees safe at your corporate holiday party by clicking here.
Our corporate transportation services can’t be beat. We’ll make your holiday party stress-free, pleasant and memorable. To book corporate transportation for your holiday party, request a quote online today. Hurry – the holidays are fast approaching and our fleet fills up fast!